Clam-like

Describing a behavior or characteristic resembling that of a clam, specifically in terms of being closed, secretive, silent, or uncommunicative. It often refers to someone's reluctance to open up or share information. It may also denote a slow and steady pace, or a tough, resilient, and protective nature like the shell of a clam. The term can be applied to people, organizations, or even situations where there is a lack of transparency or expressiveness. The core implication involves a degree of withholding, whether it's information, emotions, or actions.

Clam-like meaning with examples

• During the investigation, the suspect remained clam-like, refusing to answer any questions and offering no cooperation whatsoever. This behavior hampered the detectives’ progress, as they were unable to gather any useful clues. His silence only deepened the mystery surrounding the crime, and his clam-like demeanor frustrated those seeking answers. The prosecution will now need to build their case without any direct assistance from him.
• The committee meeting was quite clam-like, with members offering little input and the chairperson struggling to elicit any feedback. This lack of engagement stifled productive discussion and prevented any significant decisions from being made. It was a frustrating experience for all involved, leading to a disappointing outcome. The quiet atmosphere resembled that of a clam, locked tightly shut.
• After the trauma, she became very clam-like, withdrawing into herself and avoiding contact with others. She stopped talking about what had happened. Her friends worried about her isolation, but were unable to break through her shell. Her family encouraged her to seek therapy, and she eventually showed signs of recovery, slowly becoming more communicative and less clam-like.
• The company's response to the crisis was remarkably clam-like. Their refusal to release any details or provide updates only fueled speculation and distrust among customers and employees. This lack of transparency damaged their reputation and significantly hampered their recovery efforts. Their strategy backfired spectacularly and ultimately led to a significant loss of business.
• The negotiation process stalled because the opposing party was consistently clam-like, refusing to budge from their original position. Their reluctance to compromise made it impossible to reach an agreement. All of their communication was minimal, and their guardedness prevented any progress from being made, leading to a disappointing impasse and a final collapse of discussions.